The Illinois basketball team looks to add onto their 2021 recruiting class with a recent offer to a lengthy forward.
Head coach Brad Underwood and staff offered 2021 small forward Mustapha Amzil, according to a Thursday tweet by First Love Hoops.
‘21 Mustapha Amzil (@MustaphaAmzil_) has received an offer from Illinois #TheLoveWayy #BestIntheBurgh pic.twitter.com/liWjoGDQv8
— First Love Hoops (@Firstlove_hoops) October 22, 2020
Amzil is a 6-foot-10, 215-pound small forward, currently attending First Love Academy in Washington, Pennsylvania. The 2021 prospect is rated as a three-star recruit by recruiting site Rivals.com.
Besides the Illini, Amzil has 11 additional offers from schools including Maryland, Oklahoma State, Depaul, Pittsburgh, Dayton, and others. The small forward is also hearing from blue blood schools Kansas, North Carolina, and Kentucky.
What skills would Amzil bring to the 2021 class?
Watching his film, Amzil has a diverse set of skills. His ability to score the ball is what stood out to me the most. The 6-foot-10 forward has consistency with his three-point jumper and can get hot at any given moment. Additionally, he uses his quick speed to get by defenders, creating scoring opportunities under the basket.
Another trait of Amzil’s that stood out to me was his nose for the ball. Amzil is a hustler and will go after any and every rebound on both ends of the floor. He is also great at coming up with steals, making for an easy fast-break scoring opportunity.
With his large 6-foot-10 frame, athleticism, and ability to score the ball, I see Amzil primarily playing the No. 3 “wing” position in Underwood’s system. With 2021 sharp-shooting prospect Luke Goode already committed to the Orange and Blue, the Illini have the opportunity to add another reliable scoring piece to this class.
The Illini coaching staff will look to reel in the fast-rising prospect as they are set to virtually meet with Amzil Thursday.